"A lunar winner!"
I have never listened to an audio book a second time, but this one would enter the list if I needed to. This is a fascinating listen, with sharp twists, a great plot and excellent narration. I enjoyed "Echo" a great deal, and this continues that broad thread.
Conspiracy theory, space history, political intrigue...you name it,it is in here. It's wirth your while.
The unveiling. Done.
He is authentic, almost casual,and genuinely unforced. I have not heard him as much as I know want, and will do so. He brings this book to life, and is so good on this one, that I will likely look for audio books just read by him. Excellent!
Definitely. I was addicted.
More from this team are worthwhile, as is your time to this book. Get it, and enjoy it!
"Up until 3am!"
Not reading to many reviews and knowing as little as possible makes for a great listening experience!
Just give it a go! I loved it!
"Not really sci-fi, rather a political thriller"
McDevitt & Resnick have crafted what is billed as sci-fi, but in truth, the story is one of a massive governmental coverup coming to light after 50 years. The tale is set in 2019, 50 years after the first moon landing. As part of the commemoration, NASA releases a deluge of archived material which leads to hints that Apollo 11 may not have been the first. No one in any position of authority seems to know the real story that could explain the apparent confusion.
The pursuit of the truth occurs simultaneously by three individuals, the NASA spokesman, a billionaire planning a return visit to the moon, and the sitting president. Each has different motives and each uncovers independent clues that continue to add to the evolving quandary. In fact, it is revealed that the Soviets must have been in on the deception. Sadly, at no time, does any participant utter the possibility that every listener will jump to from the beginning. The denouement is less than satisfying, although understandable by 1969 standards, but not today. The reframing of Watergate through its involvement in the coverup is a nice touch as well.
Sadly, there is no sci-fi at all (sci-fi becomes a macguffin). The story could theoretically take place today. This is a classic political mystery where the truth behind a 50 year old coverup is almost completely lost as the former participants die off.
The narration is well done. The pace of the writing and the narration is slow and plodding. The characters are straight out of central casting with few endearing qualities.
"Good idea, slow, too much sarcastic banter"
The concept was good but it seemed to drag on at times. The lead character is a little unbelievable to have such a wise cracking billionaire.
I love mysteries in the style of P.D. James, Rex Stout, Elizabeth Peters, Dave Duncan, etc. I love sci fi written by Issac Asimov (the robot books), Douglas Adams, Jack McDevitt (Alex Benedict series) and Susan Collins. I love fantasy written by Terry Pratchett, and Kim Harrison. I love Kate Morton. I don't like graphic descriptions of violence.
"Jack McDevitt is one of my favorites."
Don't think one is superior to the other unless you want to drive and read.
Jack McDevitt's Alex Benedict Series is one of my favorites. Reading an Alex Benedict book is like boarding a speeding train with no way and no wish to get off until it’s over. The characters are good friends and the world is exciting. You live in it rather than just hearing about it. So, of course, I had to give this book a try. I liked it and recognized McDevitt's hand in it -- all the way to the end (I felt a bit let down by the ending -- wish I could tell you why without spoiling it for you). Not as good as the Benedict Series, but worth a credit. If I could give the story two ratings, I would rate the book 4 and ending 3.
"A Disappointing Shaggy Dog Story"
Both McDevitt and Resnick are capable of really good writing, and this book contains some good examples of their craft. The characters are well developed and convincing. The plot however is contrived and gimmicky and makes mistakes that some would overlook and others would call fatal as they weave some genuine historical events in with the fictional events of the story. The narrative was interesting enough to keep one going, but the climax of the story ends up being a disappointing, timeworn cliche. They could have ended with a bang, but instead ended with a fizzle.
Both authors are capable of better work. Perhaps their next collaboration will be more successful.
Brian Holsopple's narration was quite good, better than the book he was reading.
I wouldn't go see this as a movie, but I might watch it on television if nothing else were on.
"Fun but far fetched"
I never read the print version
The ending was good. It took a far fetched story and brought back down to earth
His performance was good.
It was not that type of book
"Good Read"
Very entertaining plus it makes your mind think different ways. The space program is wonderful and wish other countries could contbibute the exploying space and the solar system. We could do this if we people of earth could learn to get along with each other. Us on earth can be so greater than it is already. Spend the resorces where they will make the best gain.
"Not impressed"
I was looking forward to this book, and kept listening to the very end to find out the big secret. Very disappointing ending--flat and unimaginative.
Social Scientist and Researcher; mostly retired but conducting longitudinal research into social issues especially the media and social networking. Avid SF and alternative history fan; enjoy a good crime yarn and have become something of an addict for audiobooks.
"A good read but..."
The authors are usually excellent and have a fine history of writing behind them. The plot line in this book, namely that US astronauts landed on the moon before Neil Armstrong but it was hushed up because of what was found had so much potential. I was disappointed that it wasn't developed further because while it's a rattling good read and having corresponded with both authors a few years ago, I was left with the feeling of wanting more. In terms of quality the book is one of the best "nuts and bolts" style of science fiction but I would have loved to have sat down with Jack and Mike to discuss other ways of fleshing out the story, perhaps even a hook for an encore. The politics of the times were accurately depicted and although every story needs a victim, it was all too easy to blame Richard Nixon, whom I think will be more fairly treated by history than by current commentators.